Louis van Gaal unhappy with Manchester United Christmas schedule

Louis van Gaal has conceded that he is not happy with the number of matches Manchester United must play over the Christmas period.

The veteran Dutch coach believes the lack of a winter break in England negatively affects players' performances, while he also bemoaned the fact it will prevent him from seeing his family.

Winter breaks are commonplace in overseas leagues, but despite calls from various coaches in the past to introduce one in England - including former Three Lions' manager Sven-Goran Eriksson - the Premier League have opted to stick with the traditional bumper festive fixture list.

Van Gaal admits he's unhappy

Van Gaal, who is currently managing in England for the first time in his career, admits he is unhappy about the prospect of preparing for so many fixtures in such a short period of time - but concedes he must adapt.

"I am not happy - but I cannot change it - because I don't think it is good for the players that they play within two days of a (previous) match - two matches in two days. In December it shall be like that," he told reporters.

"We also have family. I have a wife and kids, and grandchildren, and I cannot see them this Christmas," Van Gaal added. "But I want to work in the Premier League, so I have to adapt, and I shall adapt.

"But I don't think it is good. It is not good for the players, nor for the family."

Man United's Christmas fixture list

Manchester United, who are currently fourth in the Premier League table, host Stoke City at Old Trafford on Tuesday night before taking on high-flyers Southampton next Monday.

On December 14 the Red Devils go head-to-head with fierce rivals Liverpool, before travelling to Aston Villa six days later. Less than a week after that, on Boxing Day, they take on Newcastle United - and then play Tottenham in London less than 48 hours later.

Then, on New Year's Day, United visit Stoke for their second match against the Potters in less than a month.

Make-or-break period

It's a period of the season which can make or break teams. United's run is reasonably kind, however, and Van Gaal will be confident in his side's ability to retain their place in the top four ahead of the team's home fixture against Southampton on January 11.

The Red Devils produced arguably their best performance of the season against Hull City on Saturday - Van Gaal's men recorded a 3-0 win thanks to goals from Chris Smalling, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie - and are expected to continue their winning run against Stoke on Tuesday.

Should the Premier League introduce a winter break or should Van Gaal quit whinging and get on with his job? Have your say in the comments' section below.

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